The demand for medical professionals was high even prior to the pandemic. However, since the outbreak of COVID-19, the shortages of healthcare staff have been felt throughout all geographies. According to the World Health Organization, there will be a need for 18 million more health workers by 2030, particularly in low and lower-middle-income countries.

With the growing demand, job seekers can apply for more healthcare jobs suited to their interests, specializations and skills. The six international hiring trends in healthcare making it a job-seekers market in 2022 are as follows:

Growing Opportunities for Home Healthcare
The industry of home healthcare is booming. In 2021, the value of the global home healthcare market was USD 320.6 billion. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2022 to 2030.

Before the outbreak of COVID-19, home healthcare was a requirement after hospital stays. However, the trend has shifted with the pandemic. People are seeking home healthcare services in order to avoid visiting hospitals and clinics in person. The goal of these services, along with telemedicine, is to manage chronic diseases, mental health, concerns of the elderly population and patients who struggle to access medical facilities in person either due to transport and / or rural locations. With this trend, most medical concerns will be tackled outside of the doctor’s office and at the patient’s home, a convenience which is increasing the demand for home healthcare professionals.

Disruptive Healthcare Technology
Technology plays a vital role in the evolution of healthcare. Health systems are investing proactively in increased automation, robust cybersecurity measures, and data migration to the cloud. Apart from advancements in technology for streamlining administrative duties, healthcare businesses are implementing machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve patient facilities. The internet of things is spearheading the development of tech-enabled pills that offer valuable patient information to the providers and ensure proper consumption of medication by the patients.

With this trend of the amalgamation of technology and healthcare, the need for IT professionals who are adept in technical knowledge is increasing alongside healthcare facilities who are keen to implement these to streamline their current operations.

Evolution of Precision Medicine
Precision medicine is an innovative approach aimed at optimizing therapeutic benefit or efficiency for certain groups of patients after considering the differences in people’s lifestyles, environment, and genes. The study of the human genome is expanding with more understanding of its impact on health. As the study advances, the demand for expertise in healthcare will grow. According to a report by Coherent Marketing Insights, the global precision medicine market is expected to value at USD 114,891 million by 2028. As a result, jobs for bioinformaticians, genetic scientists, researchers, counselors, and geneticists with in-depth knowledge and understanding of genomics and its related subjects are on the rise.

A Shift toward Preventive Care
The focus of the healthcare industry is shifting from hospitalization towards preventive care. Health systems and organizations are taking initiatives to educate the population and provide the necessary tools that help in improving health and preventing certain diseases.

With the trend rising toward preventive care, the hiring of skilled and knowledgeable professionals who can educate communities and manage preventive strategies for patients increases.

Temporary Staffing Solutions
Another healthcare trend prevailing in 2022 is hiring practitioners for specific projects on a need basis. The sudden rise in COVID-19 related emergencies has made CEOs realize the benefit of contract-based staffing. When companies indulge in temporary staffing, they have access to a larger candidate pool. By staffing personnel temporarily, companies can fill positions based on specific expertise or skills that do not currently exist in the team.

Medical Careers with Lucrative Opportunities
Throughout 2020 and 2021, the demand for healthcare jobs rose significantly. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, an additional 9 million midwives and nurses are required for all countries to reach Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). The goal is one of the 17 SDGs established by the United Nations and aims at ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being of all.

Here is a list of some of the medical careers growing in popularity and offering lucrative opportunities:
Medical administrative assistant
Medical assistants work in many healthcare facilities. Their job is to assist medical staff in recording and maintaining the personal and health-related information of a patient. They work to ensure that patients receive the care they require. They provide all the required information, including the patient’s medical history and insurance details, to the doctor, nurses, and other staff.

Nurse practitioner
A nurse practitioner works directly with patients to diagnose the illness and prepare treatment plans. They have more autonomy compared to general registered nurses. In 2022, the demand for nurse practitioners has increased because of the renewed focus on disease management and prevention. Nurse practitioners don’t just focus on treating the diseases of a patient. They also support patients in managing their conditions and preventing the disease from escalating. Moreover, they take preventive measures to reduce the possibility of certain conditions.

Pharmacists
The role of a pharmacist is to create and distribute medicines. They help patients learn more about medications, train staff on questions about medicines, and offer suggestions on nutritional supplements.

Genetic Counselors
Genomic science is advancing, and the demand for genetic counselors is growing. For a job as a genetic counselor, a candidate needs a masters in genetics or genetic counseling.

The Bottom Line
The pressure the pandemic put on healthcare facilities and the rising demand for medical professionals has made it even more essential for organizations to improve hiring processes and employee retention rates. Businesses must critically evaluate employee benefits, workplace culture, and company offerings to identify key areas of improvement. Understanding the hiring trends with a focus on both candidate and current staff needs will make it easier for medical facilities to stay competitive in this difficult market.

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